Ch.168168. A Story Only a Brother Can Say

The place my brother suggested we go for some fresh air was the rooftop of our home. Perhaps because it was the end of May, the outdoor temperature had noticeably risen, hinting that the days were gradually getting warmer.

Holding a paper cup filled with coffee, my brother walked without hesitation toward the railing. I followed behind him. Looking down while feeling the warm spring breeze, the pedestrians below appeared as small as ants.

“Siwoo, the weather’s definitely getting hot now, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it’s almost June.”

“Shouldn’t the semester be ending around June?”

“Yeah, pretty much. The final exam week is at the end of June, and once that’s over, the semester ends.”

As a freshman, I won’t have any practical training, and unlike before, I don’t need to work various part-time jobs. In other words, I’ll be able to use the roughly two-month summer vacation entirely for my personal time.

Well, I’ll probably spend most of it with Hwa Nabi anyway. Still, it feels liberating… not having to worry about living expenses.

“How’s living together working out?”

“It’s manageable.”

Manageable? Every day is filled with happiness. Perhaps it showed on my face, as my brother, who had been staring at me, broke into a smile.

“Yeah, I can see that from your face.”

My brother swirled the paper cup with a flick of his wrist, then took a sip of coffee.

“Siwoo.”

“Yeah?”

“About Jinwoo, don’t hate him too much.”

The topic suddenly shifted in an unexpected direction. Not knowing how to respond, I remained silent. My brother gazed at the distant mountains and continued.

“Jinwoo was probably just worried about you in his own way.”

“What he said at the dining table… well, let’s say that’s true. But what he said in the office was clearly not meant that way, no matter how you look at it.”

“…I can’t really defend him there. Yes, that was Jinwoo’s fault. But I don’t think he deliberately said those things to hurt you.”

“You’re saying it wasn’t intentional?”

If it wasn’t deliberate, then he must be incredibly oblivious. Judging by my brother’s bitter smile, the latter seems to be the case.

“I’m saying this because it’s true—Jinwoo has always been oblivious. That’s why he’s also bad at lying.”

I think being oblivious and being bad at lying are separate issues, but my brother’s face looked wistful, so I kept quiet.

“Jinwoo was probably worried about you in his own way. Frankly speaking, if you were a complete stranger, why would anyone care if you got married at twenty or fifteen? To be honest, it’s none of my business what some stranger I don’t even know does.”

“That’s… true.”

“Actually, both father and I would be happy if you married her quickly and had children. We’d be forming in-law relations with File Group, gaining a reliable business partner with a low chance of betrayal.”

“…Is that how it works?”

I hadn’t thought that far. So that’s why father and brother didn’t say much—they had such calculations in mind.

“Don’t misunderstand though. I’m just saying that’s how it is from a cold, rational perspective. Separate from that, we’re definitely congratulating you.”

“Ah… right, let’s say that’s the case too. So? What’s next?”

“Since he’s not interested in company matters, what I’m saying is that he was purely looking out for you, setting aside all business considerations.”

“…”

Concern, huh? Sensing a lengthy explanation coming, I gripped the railing and waited. My brother took another sip of coffee and leaned against the railing.

“To be honest, it’s natural to be concerned, isn’t it? A younger brother who hasn’t even graduated college or resolved his military service issue suddenly wants to get married right after turning twenty. What sister would welcome that with open arms? My father and I might accept it because of business interests, but Jinwoo doesn’t have that perspective.”

“Hmm…”

“Honestly, if there weren’t any business considerations, I would have opposed it too. Father would have as well, though I’m not sure about mother. Women might think differently.”

Every word was true. If I put myself in their shoes, wouldn’t I feel the same way? This is somewhat different from just having a wealthy family.

“Speaking of women’s perspectives, don’t you think Jinwoo, as a woman herself, might be worried about your fiancée? She’s marrying you at twenty with no foundation, relying solely on you. To put it bluntly, wouldn’t that make her a bit anxious?”

There was no escape. At a loss for words, I fumbled with my lips, and my brother added in a subtle voice.

“So, wouldn’t it be better for you to build your foundation quickly? Even if you pass the teacher certification exam, between teaching practice and getting assigned, at least a few years will fly by. Plus, teachers don’t make much money, right?”

“Well… that’s true.”

“Let’s see, the law will change within two years, so having two children will resolve your military issue. If you work hard, take all the seasonal courses, get good grades, and graduate early… that’s about three years from now?”

“…Huh?”

“Yes, three years. So both of you need to work hard. If things go well, you could work directly under me. I’ll give you an intensive training. Have you ever heard of someone vomiting while writing a business plan? It’s fine to do it, but not at my desk. If you need to, go to the bathroom.”

“I don’t understand what you’re suddenly talking about…”

I barely understood half of what he said because he mumbled so quickly. I caught something about military issues and three years.

And what’s this about a business plan? With unfamiliar terms mixed in, I suddenly have no idea what he’s talking about.

“Well, that concludes our future planning. Next is about your marriage.”

“Huh? Oh, yes.”

“Marriage isn’t something you can just do because the two of you want to. There’s preparation time, finding a venue, and informing people around you. Having plenty of time would be better for both of you, right?”

“Oh, um, yes, that’s true.”

“Considering the company schedule and your schedules as students, father was asking if July or August would work. What do you think?”

“That’s fine with me… but this isn’t something I can decide alone. I should discuss it with Nabi.”

“Right, then talk it over and let me know later.”

The marriage discussion ended as quickly as it had begun. Is this really okay? While it’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for, I’m a bit dumbfounded that the conversation concluded after just a few exchanges.

“Um, brother. There’s something I want to ask.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“…Did you happen to mention to our parents that Nabi is pregnant?”

Besides Hwa Nabi and me, my brother was the only one who knew about the pregnancy. Of course he had to know. Why? Because he was the one who made the OB-GYN appointment for us.

Actually, I wanted to hide it from him too, but he asked what was wrong in such a worried voice. So I just couldn’t hide it from him.

“Yes, I’m sorry for telling them without permission. But if I hadn’t told them in advance, you two would have been in a lot of trouble. You don’t know because you weren’t there at the time. At first, both father and mother were so worried they couldn’t even speak. They wanted to call you in immediately to talk, but I barely managed to persuade them not to.”

“…Really?”

“Yes, really.”

My brother isn’t the type to lie about such things. There’s no reason for him to. He turned around and stood beside me.

Looking down with an unreadable expression, I thanked him.

“Ah… I see. Thank you, brother.”

“It’s nothing.”

He answered with a smile and took a sip of his coffee.

“But how did you explain it to them that neither of them said anything to me?”

“I convinced father with the business matter I just mentioned, and mother…”

“Anyone would think you only have one sibling.”

Just as my brother was about to continue his explanation, a sharp voice came from behind us. Only one person could speak to my brother so bluntly.

“Try giving me half that attention.”

When I turned around, sure enough, there stood my sister with a displeased look.

“Then why don’t you come back to Korea? You spend 11 months a year abroad, how can I give you attention?”

Just when I thought things were quieting down, the timing is quite unfortunate. Two siblings who seem ready to tear each other apart have met on a narrow bridge—or rather, a rooftop.

They’re not children anymore. I don’t understand why they growl at each other like this. According to mother, they got along well when they were young, but looking at them now, you’d think they were mortal enemies.

“Look who’s talking.”

My sister retorted briefly, then slowly walked over and stood in front of me. She glanced at me, then looked at my brother, and nodded toward the rooftop door.

“Give us some privacy.”

“What for?”

“Why, afraid I’ll eat Siwoo alive?”

The siblings’ gazes clashed in mid-air. With their striking appearances, silently glaring at each other, it looked like a scene from a movie.

“…”

“…”

After a brief staring contest, my sister emerged victorious. More accurately, my brother seemed to have just given in… anyway.

My brother shook his head, patted my shoulder, and said:

“Siwoo, if anything happens, call me right away. Got it?”

“Uh… yeah. I will.”

“Anyone would think he’s going to his death.”

My sister, who had apparently changed clothes and was now wearing an off-shoulder T-shirt that exposed her shoulders, mocked my brother. She waved her hand dismissively without even looking at him, signaling him to go downstairs if he was done.

My brother left reluctantly, slowly descending the stairs. And right after that, coincidentally, the wind blew and the rooftop door closed.

-Bang!

As my brother’s figure disappeared in an instant, I turned my gaze to my sister. Standing with one leg crossed, she folded her arms and faced me.

“Well then… little brother, shall we have a chat with your sister after so long?”

“…”

An affectionate voice, but not so affectionate attitude. Which one is genuine? As I was seriously pondering this, my sister took another step closer.

“Just the two of us.”